Class 68 No. 68003 Makes Two Passes at Springs Branch - 17th June 2026

Direct Rail Services Class 68 locomotive, 68003 "Astute" is seen heading along the west coast main line and through Springs Branch south of Wigan on Wednesday 17th June 2026.

The class 68 locomotive was working light engibe moves likely route learning from Carlisle to Crewe and back both running over Shap Summit.

Originally manufactured by Stadler Rail Valencia (and previously by Vossloh España) for Direct Rail Services (DRS) in the United Kingdom. The design is derived from the Stadler Eurolight, and Stadler's product name for this variant is the UKLight.
Caterpillar C175-16 16-cylinder diesel engine with around 3800 horsepower they always sound absolutely incredible.

The official working today 68003
0Z80 0940 Carlisle Kingmoor Tmd(Drs) to Crewe

Passed 1120
Running 1 late

68003
0Z81 1238 Crewe to Carlisle Kingmoor Tmd(Drs)

Passed 1312
Running 1 early

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Filmed at Springs Branch
Filmed Wednesday 17th June 2026

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